User guide

Access Point Features AP-800 User Guide
Configuring the Device
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• Address Type: Set this parameter to Dynamic to configure the Access Point as a Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) client; the Access Point will obtain IP settings from a network DHCP server automatically during the
boot-up. If you do not have a DHCP server or if you want to manually configure the Access Point’s IP settings, set this
parameter to Static.
• IP Address: This parameter represents the IP Address of the Access Point. When IP Address Assignment Type is
set to Dynamic, this field is read-only and reports the unit’s current IP address. The Access Point will default to
169.254.128.132, if it cannot obtain an address from a DHCP server.
• Subnet Mask: The Access Point’s subnet mask. When Address Type is set to Dynamic, this field is read-only and
reports the unit’s current subnet mask. The subnet mask will default to 255.255.0.0 if the unit cannot obtain one from
a DHCP server.
• Gateway IP Address: The IP address of the Access Point’s gateway. When Address Type is set to Dynamic, this field
is read-only and reports the IP address of the unit’s gateway. The gateway IP address will default to 169.254.128.133
if the unit cannot obtain an address from a DHCP server.
VLAN
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) are logical groupings of network hosts. Defined by software settings, other VLAN
members or resources appear (to clients) to be on the same physical segment, no matter where they are attached on the
logical LAN or WAN segment. They simplify traffic flow between clients and their frequently-used or restricted resources.
VLANs now extend as far as the reach of the Access Point signal. Clients can be segmented into wireless sub-networks
via SSID and VLAN assignment. A Client can access the network by connecting to an AP configured to support its
assigned SSID/VLAN.
AP devices are fully VLAN-ready; however, by default VLAN support is disabled. Before enabling VLAN support, certain
network settings should be configured, and network resources such as a VLAN-aware switch, a RADIUS server, and
possibly a DHCP server should be available.
Once enabled, VLANs are used to conveniently, efficiently, and easily manage your network in the following ways:
• Manage adds, moves, and changes from a single point of contact
• Define and monitor groups
• Reduce broadcast and multicast traffic to unnecessary destinations
– Improve network performance and reduce latency
• Increase security
– Secure network restricts members to resources on their own VLAN
– Clients roam without compromising security
VLAN tagged data is collected and distributed through an AP's wireless interface(s) based on Network Name (SSID). An
Ethernet port on the Access Point connects a wireless cell or network to a wired backbone. The Access Points
communicate across a VLAN-capable switch that analyzes VLAN-tagged packet headers and directs traffic to the
appropriate ports. On the wired network, a RADIUS server authenticates traffic and a DHCP server manages IP
addresses for the VLAN(s). Resources like servers and printers may be present, and a hub may include multiple APs,
extending the network over a larger area.
Access Points that are not VLAN-capable typically transmit broadcast and multicast traffic to all wireless Network
Interface Cards (NICs). This process wastes wireless bandwidth and degrades throughput performance. In comparison,
a VLAN-capable AP is designed to efficiently manage delivery of broadcast, multicast, and unicast traffic to wireless
clients.
The AP assigns clients to a VLAN based on a Network Name (SSID). The AP can support up to 4 SSIDs per radio, and
multiple SSIDs can have same VLAN Id.
NOTE: It is not required that each VAP should have unique VLAN ID.